Child Behavior

What is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?

If your child has a developmental, learning, or behavioral problem, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician has the training and expertise to evaluate and care for your child. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians possess training and experience to consider, in their assessments and treatments, the medical and psychosocial aspects of children's and adolescents' developmental and behavioral problems.

What training do developmental-behavioral pediatricians have?

Developmental-behavioral pediatricians are medical doctors who have completed

In 2002, the American Board of Pediatrics began certifying developmental-behavioral pediatricians via a comprehensive examination process. To determine whether a pediatrician is subspecialty board certified in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, go to www.abp.org/ABPWebSite and scroll down to "Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics" under "Area of Certification."

Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and provide treatment for children, adolescents, and their families with a wide range of developmental and behavioral difficulties, including

Where can I find a developmental-behavioral pediatrician?

Often a developmental-behavioral pediatrician works collaboratively with a team of professionals. This team may include a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, neuro-developmental disabilities pediatrician, child psychiatrist, child neurologist, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, educational diagnostician, or clinical social worker.

Developmental-behavioral pediatricians work closely with parents, families, and schools.

Developmental-behavioral pediatricians understand that children's development and behavior happen first and foremost in the context of the family. They seek to understand the family's view of the problem and the effect of the child's problem on the family. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians advocate for their patients with developmental and behavioral problems by working closely with schools, preschools, and other agencies involved with developmental care and education.